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What are barrier methods of birth control?
Barrier methods of birth control act as barriers to keep the man’s sperm from reaching the woman’s egg. Some barrier methods also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A few barrier methods (spermicide, condom, and sponge) can be bought in most drugstores. Others (diaphragm and cervical cap) must be prescribed by a health care professional.

What is a benign breast condition?
A benign breast condition is one that is not cancer. These problems often go away on their own or are easily treated. Because a few benign breast conditions can increase your risk of getting cancer in the future, you may need to have follow-up tests or exams with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional.

What things should I think about when choosing a birth control method?
To choose the right birth control method for you, consider the following:
How well it prevents pregnancy
How easy it is to use
Whether you need a prescription to get it
Whether it protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Whether you have any health problems

Does bleeding during pregnancy always mean that there is a problem?
Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has many causes. Some are serious, whereas others are not. Bleeding can occur early or later in pregnancy. Bleeding in early pregnancy is common. In many cases, it does not signal a major problem. Bleeding later in pregnancy can be more serious. It is best to contact your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional if you have any bleeding at any time during pregnancy.

How long should I breastfeed my baby?
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Breastfeeding should continue up to the baby’s first birthday as new foods are introduced. You can keep breastfeeding after the baby’s first birthday for as long as you and your baby would like.

Why is it important to wear a seat belt when I travel during pregnancy?
Although the baby is protected inside your body, you should wear a lap and shoulder belt every time you travel while you are pregnant for the best protection—even in the final weeks of pregnancy. You and your baby are much more likely to survive a car crash if you are buckled in.

Pregnancy
What is carrier screening? What is a carrier? What are the chances of having a child with a genetic disorder? How is carrier screening done? When can carrier screening be done? Do I have to have carrier screening? What carrier screening tests are available? Who should have carrier screening? What is targeted carrier screening? What is expanded carrier screening? Is one approach better than the other? What choices do I have if my partner and I are carriers of a genetic disorder? How accurate is carrier screening? Are results...

PFSI008
How the Test Is Done
CELL-FREE DNA PRENATAL
SCREENING TEST
What is it?
The cell-free DNA
prenatal screening test (also
called “cfDNA test”) screens for
certain conditions caused by an
abnormal number of
chromosomes. It does not test
for all types
of chromosomal
disorders.
Screening tests are used to
estimate whether your baby is
at higher risk or lower risk of
having a certain condition.
Diagnostic tests can give
a definite answer about
whether the baby has a certain
condition. These tests include
amniocentesis or chorionic
villus sampling (CVS).
= maternal ...

What is cancer of the cervix?
A woman’s cervix (the opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina) is covered by a thin layer of tissue made up of cells. Healthy cells grow, divide, and are replaced as needed. Cancer of the cervix occurs when these cells change. Cancer cells divide more rapidly. They may grow into deeper cell layers or spread to other organs. The cancer cells eventually form a mass of tissue called a tumor.

What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and is located at the top of the vagina. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and, for some women, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).